Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has said that there has been huge demand from clubs across Cork for the latest round of the Sports Capital Programme. A total of 217 applications have been received from Cork clubs, seeking more than €21 million in funding.
 
“In the current round of the Sports Capital Programme €30 million is available for distribution.  After initial examination of applications it is clear that the programme is significantly oversubscribed.  In Cork alone there has been 217 applications requesting funding of more than €21 million for projects with a total value of almost €34 million. 
 
“Nationally, when the 2012 Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on Friday June 1st, over 2,150 sports clubs and organisations had applied for funding.  These organisations are seeking more than €224 million in funding for projects with a total value of almost €370 million.
 
“It is not surprising that there has been such a high demand for the programme.  The high number of applications shows that the decision taken by Minster of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, TD, to reopen the programme was much needed.  This is the first time since 2008 that this programme has been open to applications.
 
“The sports capital programme gives great support to clubs and sporting organisations around the country.  It plays a vital role in developing facilities and enabling organisations to continue to provide important services which are so valued by local communities.
 
“Unfortunately given the oversubscription it will not be possible for government to accommodate each one of the very many worthy applications.  It is expected that applicants will be advised of decisions in late autumn or early winter.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, National Work, Sport

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the decision of VHI Healthcare to cover the PET-CT scanner at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

“I welcome the decision by VHI Healthcare to facilitate its customers using the PET-CT scanner at CUH.  This decision will enable VHI customers in Cork to have access to the same facilities that are available in Dublin, Galway and Waterford without having to travel vast distances.  As the largest private health insurer, VHI’s decision is very significant for patients.

“Earlier this year, management at CUH engaged a third party provider to operate the PET-CT scanner, providing access to the facility for public patients.  Over the last few months, private health insurers have confirmed that they will cover the scanner, enabling their customers to access this important diagnostic tool.

“The efforts of management and the commitments by private health insurers are very significant for all patients in Cork who need access to the PET-CT scanner.  Initially the PET-CT scanner was operating two days a week for public patients; this decision will now ensure that private patients can use the facility when it is not being used for public patients.

“One referral pathway is now available for all patients in Cork who need to access to the PET scanner. Cork patients are no longer required to travel to Dublin.  There can now be universal access to the PET-CT scanner based on need, not whether someone is a public or private patient.

“Finally the investment of €6.85 million in this treatment and diagnostic facility can be put to use for the benefit of all patients.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, Health, South West

Culvert and grate for Ballybrack Stream must be examined

Speaking in the Dáil this evening (Tuesday) on Topical Issues, Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, called for a full and honest explanation of the sequence of events which led to flooding in Douglas, which devastated homes and businesses.

“In the early hours of last Thursday morning, businesses and homes in Douglas village were devastated by uncharacteristic flooding.  Homes on St. Columba’s Terrace and St. Patrick’s Terrace were flooded and businesses in the village, in the shopping centre and in Douglas West suffered tremendous damage.

“In the Dáil today I raised the serious concerns of the residents and business people in Douglas with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD.  Those who are dealing with the aftermath of the flooding deserve a full and honest explanation of the events which led to the devastation. When a full explanation is received it will become clear exactly what caused the flooding.

“The issue of the culvert is central to the flooding and there are a lot of questions which need to be answered.  Last year, the County Council spent hundreds of thousands of euros on a culvert and grate for Ballybrack Stream; we need to know if both functioned as planned.  Locally, there are fears that the proximity of the grate to the culvert and the infrequent clearing of the stream contributed to the flooding.  These concerns need to be addressed.

“The aftermath of the flooding leaves many issues for local residents. They are faced with rectifying the damage to their homes and with making insurance claims.  Too often insurance companies are less than cooperative, failing to promptly deal with claims and pay out money which is rightly due to those affected.  The insurance industry needs to be brought to task to ensure it looks after their customers in their hour of need.

“The Environment Minister has recognised the impact of the flooding on residents and businesses.  He confirmed that he will specifically ask to the have issue of the culvert investigated as part of the report which he has requested from Cork County and City Councils.

“In the Minister’s reply to me he said that the Council had checked drainage systems and had staff on stand-by, following weather warnings last Wednesday. That these steps failed to prevent damage to homes and businesses raises questions about the effectiveness of the Council’s emergency plan for dealing with floods.

“People affected by last week’s flooding deserve an immediate response. The Minister confirmed that Government Departments and State agencies are available to assist people in Douglas. The Department of Social Protection is available for once off payments and exceptional needs.  Also the Department of Finance will liaise with financial institutions asking them to provide as much assistance as possible to those affected.

“The fears and nervousness of residents and business people must be allayed.  They need an explanation and reassurance that steps will be taken to prevent a repeat of last week’s flooding.”

Posted under Douglas, Environment, Floods